Meinl HAND HAMMERED ALUMINIUM - MDAR113

Historical Context and Positioning Within the Range

Inspired by the percussion traditions of the Middle East and the Balkans, the Turkish style darbouka stands out with its metal shell and highly dynamic response, appreciated both in oriental music and modern fusion. The hand-hammered shell reflects an iconic artisanal aesthetic while contributing to a solid feel and a strong sonic presence. Without information on a specific series or manufacturer, this model positions itself as a versatile darbouka designed to offer expressive playing and practical tuning.

Who This Drum/Instrument Is For

This Turkish darbouka is particularly suitable for beginners seeking a reliable instrument that is easy to tune and enjoyable to play, as well as for intermediate percussionists looking for a clear metallic timbre and good projection. It fits perfectly within oriental styles (baladi, malfouf, saïdi), Turkish and Greek music, as well as contemporary contexts such as pop, electro-acoustic, live looping, or acoustic ensembles where the percussion needs to remain clear in the mix.

Features and Innovations

The combination of aluminum shell and synthetic head aims for a clear objective: a responsive, stable, and low-maintenance instrument. Tuning is done using the provided key, allowing quick adjustment of tension according to your touch: tighter for sharp "tek" attacks and fast articulation, looser to round out the lows and achieve a fuller "doum." The compact diameter promotes ease of handling, playing speed, and strike precision, while maintaining genuine body depth.

Sound Characteristics

The aluminum shell delivers a bright and projected sonic signature, with a crisp attack and excellent nuance definition. The shell's hammering enhances the visual character and contributes to a lively response, ideal for highlighting doubles, rolls (riss), and accents. This results in "ringing" highs that remain present even at moderate volume, and "doum" lows that retain body without becoming muddy.

The synthetic head provides a consistent and predictable output: dynamics are easy to control, the instrument responds quickly under the fingers, and tuning stability is a real advantage both in rehearsals and on stage. By adjusting the tension, you can steer the darbouka toward a drier, snappier sound (perfect for fast patterns) or a rounder, deeper register suited to slow grooves and vocal accompaniments.

Technical specifications

Instrument size	Small	Accessories included	Tuning key
Category	darbouka	Color	Grey
Material	aluminium	Finishing	Hammered
Skin type	Synthetic	Diameter	7.25 "
Depth	13.4 "

Type	Turkish style darbouka	Tuning	mechanical, with tuning key
Shell	hand-hammered aluminum	Height	34 cm
Head	synthetic